Staying Warm and Well this Winter

The Staying Warm and Well Service runs until the end of March 2014; it has been created to provide support for people in Devon who are living in a cold home and who may need extra support over the winter or who have a heating emergency. The Service is run by voluntary groups on behalf of Devon County Council to help with: Wellbeing assistance from voluntary organisations, including: ◾food and medicine supplies in bad weather ◾welfare calls and alerts ◾maintaining social contacts and help with transport ◾room thermometers - economic support from Citizens Advice Bureau, including: •an income maximisation check at home •fuel debt advice and help with fuel switching •fuel grants - warm and safe homes support from Devon Care and Repair, including: •emergency help with boiler breakdowns and burst pipes •getting heaters and dehumidifiers •advice on how your home can be more energy efficient •help to apply for insulation, boiler replacement and housing grants •help with loft clearance before insulation is installed •a warm homes pack, which includes a blanket and socks •a room temperature alert for people at risk •installation of smoke alarms, Carbon Monoxide detectors and handrails to help prevent accidents. How do I get help? If you are having difficulty staying warm and well in the winter phone the Staying Warm and Well Service on freephone 0800 046 7700 or complete the online referral form -http://www.teigncvs.org.uk/component/rsform/form/7-in-confidence-referral-form-staying-warm-and-well-in-devon-in-confidence-copy The Staying Warm and Well Service will work with you to develop a winter action plan and arrange the support you need. How can I help others? Be aware of vulnerable family, friends or neighbours who: ◾are living in a cold or damp home, particularly older people who live alone and people who have an existing health condition ◾have a winter warmth emergency such as their boiler breaks down or pipes burst or their home floods ◾are struggling to keep warm because their home is poorly insulated or their fuel costs are high. If you know someone in this situation give them a copy of this factsheet or contact the Staying Warm and Well Service on freephone 0800 046 7700. If you need more information or a different format phone 0845 155 1015, textphone 0845 155 1020